The UK government has said there is no evidence to support claims that Iran has missiles capable of striking London, seeking to counter warnings issued by Israel amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
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Housing Secretary Steve Reed said there was “no specific assessment” indicating Iran could target the UK, or even have the capability to do so. His remarks came after the Israel Defense Forces suggested Tehran possessed missiles with ranges of up to 4,000km, potentially placing parts of Europe within reach.
The Israeli military has warned that Iran’s developing missile technology could threaten major European capitals, including London. Israeli officials argue that such capabilities represent a growing global risk.
Conflicting Claims Over Missile Range
However, Reed rejected those claims, telling the BBC: “There is no assessment to substantiate what’s being said.” He added that the UK remains capable of defending itself and protecting its interests both domestically and overseas.
The comments follow reports that Iran recently targeted a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. According to UK officials, two ballistic missiles were launched, with one failing mid-flight and the other intercepted by US forces.
Experts Urge Caution
Military analysts have suggested that while Iran may be able to extend missile range under certain conditions, such as reducing payload weight, long-distance strikes would likely be inaccurate and difficult to execute.
Dr Sidharth Kaushal of the Royal United Services Institute said that even if Iran could technically reach the UK, such an attack would face significant challenges, including heavily defended airspace and limited precision at long range.
Former NATO commander Richard Shirreff also urged caution, noting that such claims should be taken seriously but viewed in the broader context of strategic messaging during wartime.
Political Debate Over UK Role
The issue comes as the UK continues to support US operations in the region, including allowing American forces to use British bases for strikes linked to protecting shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Some opposition figures have raised concerns about the risk of escalation and have called for Parliament to vote on the UK’s involvement. The government has rejected those calls, arguing that there is no precedent for holding a vote when acting in defence of national interests.
Reed insisted the UK was not seeking to widen the conflict but said adjustments had been necessary in response to evolving threats.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 23 March 2026